After 20 Years, HOURCAR Will Conclude Operations
Dear HOURCAR Members and Community,
Earlier this summer, we asked for your help in reaching out to your elected representatives as we sought to bridge a budget gap caused by nationwide vehicle insurance increases and shifting federal support.
Unfortunately, our outreach efforts have been unsuccessful and due to critical financial hurdles, after completing due diligence and consulting with legal counsel, HOURCAR’s Board of Directors have voted to sunset operations with a final service date of Thursday, October 15, 2026.
We know this is hard news to read. It impacts all our lives. It is an honor to be part of over 4,000 active members’ commutes to work, medical appointments, grocery stores, and family obligations. The decision was difficult and complex, and it was not made lightly.
We have assembled some answers intended to respond to anticipated stakeholder and member questions about this decision. As additional questions are received, we will add them to the Q & A below.
We are forever grateful for what we built together, and we continue to dream of a future where equitable shared mobility is the preferred, accessible, and sustainable way to move, empowering all people to thrive in connected communities.
Thank you for being a part of this journey.
With gratitude,
The HOURCAR team and Board of Directors
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Q&A
Why is HOURCAR in this position?
Like many transportation providers across the country, we have experienced significant increases in vehicle insurance costs, rising operating expenses, and reductions in anticipated federal support. Despite cost-cutting measures, fundraising efforts, and support from foundation and corporate partners, we now face an immediate funding gap that has threatened our ability to continue operating.
Why didn’t you tell us sooner?
Until recently, we believed we could solve the funding challenge without disrupting service. We were actively pursuing funding commitments, reducing costs, and evaluating alternatives. We, like many nonprofits, had to balance instilling confidence with potential funders while also needing to raise awareness of our challenging situation.
Is there a way to help keep HOURCAR open?
The most important action you can take right now is to contact your elected officials and share your personal story about how carshare impacts your life. Decisionmakers need to hear directly from community members about why this service matters. You can also amplify our message by sharing your experience on social media and encouraging others to do the same. Tag us - FB: @HOURCAR and Evie, Instagram: @hourcar_evie LinkedIn: @HOURCAR
If I contact elected officials, what should I tell them?
Share your real experience. Explain how often you use HOURCAR or Evie, what trips the service enables, and what will happen if it disappears. Personal stories are often more powerful than statistics. We specifically havebeen asking local leaders to support emergency bridge funding while longer-term solutions could be further developed.
Can I make a donation?
Yes. You can do so here. While donations alone will not close the entire funding gap, every contribution helps us wind down our operation respectfully and responsibly for the community, our staff, and our stakeholders. Most importantly: contacting elected officials and sharing your story is currently the most impactful way to help!
What about my trip that is reserved for after October 15?
Unfortunately, all reservations booked beyond October 15 will be cancelled.
I just paid for the new Annual Account Verification - will you refund that?
We understand the frustration. You can request a refund of your Annual Account Verification fee via this form. If you do not submit a request, we will consider this a charitable contribution.
Does this include free-float Evie Carshare?
Evie Carshare is a service of the Cities of St Paul and Minneapolis. HOURCAR is the operator of Evie Carshare. Evie cars will not be available after October 15.
Can I buy a car from you?
No, we are unable to sell vehicles to the public.